There's no home remodeling project that disrupts your routine more than remodeling your kitchen. A full remodel can take weeks or months to finish, so you need to come up with alternatives when it comes time to cook or store food. These kitchen remodeling tips can help you get through the process with a minimum of fuss.

Plan Early, Plan Well

You should start preparing and planning months before you or the contractor begins work. After all, the last thing you need is to have to make a lot of major decisions after the kitchen has been gutted. If you don't want to get caught up in the details, hire a certified kitchen planner or designer. They can help you with choices in appliances, cabinetry, layout and lighting, and you'll benefit because you're getting the specs and the installation info ahead of schedule. It's worthwhile to budget for hiring a planner; it's a lot cheaper than paying to fix a mistake once the remodel is completed.

Get the Necessary Permits

Make certain that your contractor has secured the required permits before they begin work, and that they are aware of any upcoming inspections. If there are delays in plumbing or electrical inspections, work has to stop- no matter how inconvenient it is for you.

Order Ahead of Time

Whenever you can, buy cabinets, appliances, sinks, and fittings ahead of time. Inspect them when they arrive, and make sure they're what you ordered. Freight damage, delays with the manufacturer, wrong sizing, and other issues are best avoided by budgeting extra time into the remodeling process.

Creating a Temporary Kitchen

For larger kitchen renovations, it will be necessary for you to come up with an alternate solution for cooking and cleaning. The family room or dining room is a good place to start. Here's how you do it:

1. Lay down 4-mil-thick plastic sheets on the floor, and top it with ODB or plywood. Two plywood sheets will provide you with an 8x8 work area, which is plenty for setting up a table.

2. Even if you don't keep your existing appliances, but you should at least keep your microwave and refrigerator. Consider buying a table-top cooking center, which combine a small oven and two burners. They are sometimes offered by contractors during the remodeling project; ask if they are available.

3. Make a simpler menu, one that is appropriate for eating on disposable plates. Frozen foods, cans of soup, and microwaveable meals may not be appetizing all the time, but their convenience can't be beaten. Fruit, sandwiches and salads are easy to fix, and keep clean-up simple. Takeout and pizza are OK a couple of nights a week; mix it up a little and go out to eat once in a while. If you want a home-cooked meal, angle for dinner invitations from family and friends.